Windows 10 Mobile won’t get the full benefits of PWAs

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Published onApril 10, 2018

published onApril 10, 2018

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Progressive Web Apps or PWAs is a new, fantastic way to give users a better experience on the web. They are reliable, user friendly, engaging, and fast and work on the Windows 10mobileplatform.

Microsoft just published their own 14 PWAs. This is the first batch of what is speculated to be hundreds of websites modified to the PWA format.

Here are some of the PWAs currently available: Daytrip, Travelzoo, MyCARFAX, Airfarewatchdog, ASOS, Skyscanner, Student Doctor Network, The Penny Hoarder, OfferFinder.net, Twitter, Ziprecruiter, Space, Men’s Wearhouse.

Microsoft PWAs not fully functional

Despite being officially released, these progressive web apps will not be completely functional on theWindows 10 Mobile. This is due mainly to the Microsoft Edge engine lacking certain parts.

What is Microsoft Edge lacking to make true PWAs?

For one, the mobile version of Microsoft Edge does not support caching offline. This means that the PWAs will only work if you have access to the internet.

In addition, Windows 10 Microsoft Edge Mobile doesn’t have service workers. This means that PWAs won’t be able tosend notifications to your action centerlike a regular application.

There are also other issues, such as the lack of a progress indicator when users click on hyperlinks, among other things.

Flags for desktop users only

Microsoft does have flags for Mobile Edge, but they were only enabled in theupcoming RS4and the trueWindows 10 RS3 Creators Update. This means desktop users can access them, while mobile users can’t.

The bottom line

PWAs is a very exciting technology that could save the application shortage on Windows Mobile . However, these recent events indicates that Windows simply does not seem to think it is worth the trouble.

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Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Windows 10 Mobile won’t get the full benefits of PWAs#

Microsoft PWAs not fully functional#

What is Microsoft Edge lacking to make true PWAs?#

Flags for desktop users only#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Windows 10 Mobile won’t get the full benefits of PWAs

Microsoft PWAs not fully functional

What is Microsoft Edge lacking to make true PWAs?

Flags for desktop users only